BRANCH FOLDS BUT DOES NOT CRACK
The man from Botswana, who completed the 2024 season as world champion, last year had a season to forget, in which he was never able to defend his status as number 1. Since 3rd January, this year’s edition of the Dakar seemed to be smiling on him, offering him the expected chance at redemption. The Hero rider was sixth in the overall rankings this morning, less than a quarter of an hour behind the leader, and could legitimately harbour hopes to reacquaint himself with the second place achieved in Yanbu on the race’s 46th edition, which is the best result for the man who traditionally bears race plate number 46. By hitting a rock yesterday, ‘Rossi’ already damaged the foam in his wheel, which started to break up this morning. Having finished more than hour behind the winner of the special, Branch now finds himself in 10th place in the overall rankings, trailing by 1:23’53’’. It is another twist of fate but one that will not discourage a man who brushes off all his misfortunes with a smile.
